1983 NFC Championship Game

Lore & Background

The game was part of the NFC postseason, following the first two rounds of the playoffs. The winner advanced to the Super Bowl. The San Francisco 49ers have the most losses in NFC Championship Game history at 11, and the most appearances at 19.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Metrodome was thick with anticipation, the hum of the crowd vibrating through the concrete seats. Tommy Kramer wiped sweat from his brow, his eyes scanning the defensive line that had held him all night. The scoreboard read 17-23, a deficit that seemed insurmountable with only seconds ticking away on the clock. As the ball snapped for one final Hail Mary attempt, the stadium held its breath, a collective prayer rising from thousands of throats. But as the pass soared toward the end zone, it was intercepted or tipped? No, in this moment, time seemed to freeze before the inevitable whistle blew, sealing a fate that would echo through the decades.

Reader's Guide

The game was played at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The Washington Redskins were the home team, as the site of the game since the 1975–76 season has been based on playoff seeding, with the highest surviving seed hosting.

Did You Know?

• The Washington Redskins won the game 24–21.
• The San Francisco 49ers have the most losses in NFC Championship Game history at 11.
• The game was played on January 8, 1984.
• The game was held at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C.